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Recent research from the Association of Investment Companies suggests that 78% of investors plan to make use of their ISA allowance this year. 40% plan to use only the shares element , representing a 1% rise since last year, while just over a quarter plan to use both their cash ISA and investment ISA allowance, again representing a 1% increase on the previous year. more

A recent survey conducted by NS&I indicates that the demographic of ISA savers has undergone quite a few changes in recent years. A survey of over 1,200 UK adults revealed some interesting insights into the behavior of savers in the past few years. more

76% say they will not invest in cash while base rate remains at 0.5%

04 February 2010 / by Rachel Mason

While the Bank of England’s decision to keep the base rate at 0.5% for the 11th consecutive month is unarguably the only realistic option, 76% of investors have had enough of dismal savings rates, saying they are not interested in investing in cash.

Research by independent financial service providers, Fair Investment Company has found more than three quarters of investors would not consider investing in cash in the current climate, preferring to put their money into riskier investment options in the hope of better returns.

“With the average cash ISA rate at just 2.12 % and easy access savings accounts paying out just 0.76% on average (Moneyfacts), it is no wonder that most people looking to invest are steering away from cash in order to get better returns,” comments Nick Scarrett, head of pensions and investments at Fair Investment Company.

When asked what type of investment product they were most likely to opt for, only 24% of respondents said cash. The remaining 76% said they would look at riskier assets, with almost half (49%) of those respondents choosing structured products, nearly a quarter (24%) equity funds, while a fifth (20%) said they would opt for corporate bond funds as their preferred investment type.

“Nearly half of investors are looking at structured products over any other asset class,” explains Julie Smith, head of structured products research at Fair Investment Company, “and there are a number of reasons why this might be.

“Structured products are basically fixed term investments – usually of between 3 and 6 years - that aim to beat cash returns while also providing some level of capital protection. They are popular because they offer a ‘halfway house’ between low-risk cash savings and full risk stock-market investing.”

There are a number of structured products on the market; for the more cautious investor there are capital protected structured products, which protect your initial investment no matter what happens in the markets. For those willing to take more risk there are capital at risk structured products which give a lesser level of protection, but potentially a much higher return.

Investors can also choose between growth plans and income plans, and, unlike other investments, charges are usually factored into the product terms at outset so investors don’t need to worry about ongoing costs eating into their returns.

The survey found that of those who would choose structured products, 58% said it was for the capital protection element that the asset class provides and 38% said it was for income.

“Structured products have received some bad press over the years, and obviously, like any investment type, there are good and bad products,” explains Julie.

“Structured products are not suitable for everyone and anyone considering structures should make sure they understand the product and the risks involved before making a decision. But with the financial climate as it is, and the base rate unlikely to increase before the year is out, a diversified investment portfolio including some structured products is certainly worth considering.”

Popular monthly income fund that aims to achieve a high level of income whilst seeking to maximise total return through investing in high yielding corporate and Government bonds, together with UK equities. 100% discount on initial charges.Click here to view latest Fund Facts »

This highly popular investment fund aims to achieve a high level of overall return with relative security to capital. Income Paid to you twice yearly. Up to a 100% Discount off the Standard Initial Fund Charge.Click here to view latest Fund Facts »

One of the leading UK Equity Income Funds. The Fund managers hunt out companies with strong free cash flow and solid balance sheets. Income is paid to you twice yearly. 100% Discount off the Standard Initial Fund Charge.Click here to view latest Fund Facts »

One of the UK's most popular income funds, the Invesco Perpetual High Income has delivered consistently good long term returns through a variety of market conditions. Income is paid to you twice yearly. Up to a 100% Discount off the Standard Initial Fund Charge.Click here to view latest Fund Facts »

The M&G Corporate Bond Fund is a conservative ‘blue chip’ sterling fund that aims to produce a higher return than UK government bonds. Income is Paid to you Quarterly. 100% Discount off the Standard Initial Fund Charge.

The Jupiter Merlin Income Portfolio fund aims to achieve a high and rising income with some potential for capital growth. Income Distributions are made to you quarterly. 95% Discount off the Standard Initial Charge.Click here to view latest Fund Facts »

The value of investments and any return from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the full amount invested. Please ensure that you read the Important Risk Information below.

Structured investment plan with the potential to mature after years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. If the plan matures early it will return 9.35% times the number of years the plan has been in force. Also available for Stocks & Shares ISA and ISA transfer.

Capital protected deposit plan with the potential to mature after years 3, 4, 5 and 6. If the plan matures early it will return 4% times the number of years the plan has been in force. Also available for Cash ISA and ISA transfer.